Selective laser sintering is an additive manufacturing process that uses a high-temperature laser to melt powder into a predetermined shape. A computer model is required, and the laser builds the shape layer by layer. The powder used is usually a mixture of two parts, and the cooling period varies depending on the materials used.
Selective laser sintering is a manufacturing method that uses a high-temperature laser to melt powder into a predetermined shape. This process is a type of additive manufacturing, meaning that the item is built from materials into a final shape. This is in contrast to the more common subtractive manufacturing where material is removed from a piece until it reaches its final shape. Selective Laser Sintering requires a computer model or description of the final part. The laser guide program will read the pattern and slowly build the shape from available materials.
The selective laser sintering process begins with the creation of a computer representation of the final part. This representation is often done using design software so that the final piece can be easily viewed in a virtual space. If design software is not used, it is possible to create mathematical or programmed models that exist only as code. These pieces can be extremely tight specifications, but are much more difficult to create.
After the model is created, the selective laser sintering program reads the data and activates the laser. This machine is generally a high-temperature industrial laser, such as a carbon dioxide laser. The heat from the laser fuses the powdered material together by hitting it with very hot pulses. The action of the laser cuts off the secondary heating, which prevents unwanted materials from sticking to the workpiece or creating an unintentional melt.
The powder used by selective laser sintering is usually a mixture of two parts. The inner core of the powder is a dense material that provides weight and structure to the final piece. This inner tip is covered in a material that melts easily, such as nylon or plastic. When a single component powder is used, it is typically made from sand or metal, two materials that dissolve well, but still provide structure. One-part blends often result in higher quality finished products, but generally cost more to produce and require more heat to blend.
The laser renders the workpiece one layer at a time. The powder is dissolved in a portion of the final piece and allowed to cool. Then the laser makes the next part and then the next, each with a little cool down time in between. Depending on the materials used, the cooling period can vary from a few seconds to almost imperceptible time. As the piece builds up, it requires no external support, as the excess powder in the tank supports it on all sides.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
